Is Louisiana One of the Top States for Crashes Involving Deer?

SHREVEPORT, LA – We are moving into the peak season for a danger on the roads in Louisiana and Texas. Your chance of hitting a deer on the highways spikes during the months of October and November.

New data from State Farm shows your chance of hitting a deer on the highway is about 1 in 127. That seems pretty high. But I have hit a deer and so have many other people I have talked to about this problem. My deer incident caused more than $3,000 dollars worth of damage to my car. Luckily no one was hurt.

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer?

You will find crashes with deer are more likely close to sunset or at night when visibility is tougher. State Farm says there were more than 1.8 million insurance claims for deer collisions in the U.S. between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

What States Have the Most Crashes Involving Deer?

West Virginia is still at the top of the list. Your chance of hitting a deer in West Virginia is 1 in 38. Montana (1 in 53 chance of a crash), Pennsylvania (1 in 59 chance), Michigan (1 in 60 chance of a crash) and Wisconsin (1 in 60) round out the top 5.

When Are Deer Crashes Most Likely?

November leads the pack followed by October and December.

Louisiana is ranked 37^th on the list of crashes with deer. The Bayou State is considered a “low risk” state with your chance of hitting a deer at 1 in 193. Texas is #36 on the list and is also a low risk state. Your chance of hitting a deer in the Lone Star State is 1 in 191.

You are encouraged to stay alert behind the wheel and pay attention to those signs warning about a deer crossing or wildlife area. You can also use your high beams to flash at the animals to try to keep them from venturing out onto the roadway. If you are going to be in a collision with a deer, don’t veer off the roadway. Try to maintain control of your car. And remember, if you see one deer, there are probably others nearby.